Chapter 188: Lights, Legends, and Legacy
A few days after Adrian's departure, the atmosphere at Golden Cosmos shifted, but life moved on quickly.
His absence wasn't deeply felt, and the agency's rhythm resumed. Yet, the words of Colin's battle lingered in hushed conversations and passing remarks.
Colin and Milo, now officially part of the team, integrated smoothly into the agency's dynamic.
They were no longer just "Eratz's cousin" and "Mercury's brother." Instead, they were carving out their own reputations through the regular season.
Milo, with his playful demeanor and bright energy, surprised many. His cheerful attitude masked a great talent in battle.
His fighting style was instinctive and creative, blending physical and magical attacks with the support of his fairy beasts.
Though his attacks appeared whimsical and were often given childish names, the results were very effective.
Mercury claimed his light-hearted style was a tactic to throw opponents off their game. Eratz, however, had another explanation.
"All his attacks are named after that little girl show we watch." Sacrificing his honor just to tease Milo a little bit.
Yet, despite the amusing truth, Milo's creativity and resilience earned him respect.
His fairy-based techniques, combined with his youthful exuberance, earned him the nickname "Child of the Stars."
Colin, on the other hand, was making waves with her raw power and control.
Her fire-based techniques were devastating, her beasts versatile and adaptive. In the city-tier league, she was a force of nature, often overwhelming her opponents before they had a chance to react.
With in her arsenal her mastery of fire manipulation, physical prowess, healing abilities, a field spell, and a calamity beast she hadn't even needed to use, Colin quickly established herself as a rising star.
Her calm and innocent demeanor contrasted sharply with her destructive potential, earning her the nickname "The Red Princess."
The two young fighters became the talk of the town. Colin's precision and Milo's flair drew comparisons to prodigies like Gabriel, a name spoken with reverence.
Despite their success, Colin and Milo stayed grounded, thanks to the relentless training sessions with the aces.
Every sparring match reminded them of their place, against the aces, they were outmatched. Yet, within their tier, they were dominant, silencing any doubts about their abilities.
With their team now complete, the countdown began for their first official team battle.
The stakes were high, and the pressure was mounting, but Colin and Milo were ready. They had proven themselves as individuals.
Now it was time to show what they could do as part of Golden Cosmos.
The team battles weren't just a competition, they were a national phenomenon.
An annual event that lasted the entire year, they crowned the best organization in the country, continent or world depending on the tier they were competing and showcased the pinnacle of beast mastery.
Fighters of all ranks competed, it was possible to see a city-level fighter against a world-class champions, creating a suspense that kept everyone enthralled.
This year, Golden Cosmos was at the center of attention. Their meteoric revolution, team roster and Eratz's undefeated streak had everyone talking.
Eratz and his duel with Raya was considered one of the greatest matches in the country's history.
Now, the prospect of seeing those two powerhouses fight side by side electrified fans across the nation.
The first match for Golden Cosmos was set to take place in the capital city of Aurelia, at the country's largest and most iconic venue: the Celestia Coliseum, known for hosting world-class battles.
Every seat in the coliseum had been sold weeks in advance. Scalpers sold tickets at outrageous prices, and exclusive broadcasting rights were secured by top networks.
Advertisers scrambled for airtime, knowing the entire country would be watching.
Analysts, fans, and critics alike speculated about the battle in dedicated TV segments, podcasts, and articles.
Excitement rippled across the country.
At Genova Academy, Rowan stood before his students in a packed lecture hall.
His objective was to teach the his students about team battles through a real match, but he didn't chose this match randomly.
He scanned the room, his gaze landing briefly on Kian and Lila, seated at the back.
Both wore identical scowls, their arms crossed as if shielding themselves from another performance of someone particular.
Rowan knew their expressions well, but he wasn't deterred.
This wasn't just about teaching strategy, it was about reshaping their perception of Eratz, their estranged brother.
They completely ignored the class, until the team composition appeared on the screen.
One special name stood out, triggering them: Colin Alondra.
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"Wait," Kian muttered, leaning forward. "Isn't that…?"
Lila's frown deepened.
"Her? What is she doing there?"
For the first time, they watched with genuine interest. Elsewhere in the academy, Lisa sat on her couch. Beside her, Clara adjusted the cushions, ensuring maximum comfort.
"Do you think he'll win?" Clara asked, pulling her knees to her chest.
Lisa's smile was faint but certain.
"It's Eratz. Of course, he will."
Clara grinned, leaning back.
"It's surreal, seeing him like this. He really became a superstar."
In a forest outside a small town, Kenny stood alone. His shirt was soaked in sweat as he stared at a trembling beast in his hands.
"Finally caught one," he muttered, his voice low and shaky. "One step closer."
Nearby, a small screen displayed updates about the match.
Kenny ignored it, focusing instead on his training, this was only fuel to his rebirth.
That evening, in a quiet house, Marcus sat on the couch, a newspaper in hand. Liora stood by the window, staring into the fading light.
"How about dinner out tonight?" Marcus suggested. "Something fancy. We deserve it."
Liora didn't turn. Her voice was soft.
"Isn't Eratz fighting today?"
Marcus hesitated, his expression faltering.
"Do we always need to watch that?"
Liora turned to him, her face calm but resolute.
"I want to see it."
Marcus sighed. He couldn't argue anymore. Liora was just a shell of her past self since that terrible night.
As night fell, the streets of Aurelia came alive. Fans gathered in plazas and pubs, their voices a filled with excitement.
The Celestia Coliseum was a sight to behold. Its cylindrical structure towered above the city, its exterior gleaming with crystalline panels that shimmered in the night.
Rotating holographic displays showcased the teams and match details, casting vibrant colors across the skyline.
Inside, the arena was breathtaking. The stands rose in tiers, a sea of fans waving flags and chanting names.
Above the battleground, the sky was open, stars twinkling against the glow of the coliseum's lights.
The battleground itself was a pristine expanse of soft green grass, its edges marked by glowing lines. An invisible shield surrounded it, protecting the spectators while allowing the fighters to go all out.
The crowd's roar was deafening, a wave of excitement that surged through the stadium. The announcer's voice boomed through hidden speakers.
"Welcome to the Celestia Coliseum! Tonight, we witness the beginning of your favorite events, the legendary team battles!"
The lights dimmed briefly, only to explode into a dazzling display of colors.
The stage was set. The battle was about to begin.